DfE funding for national early years programmes

The Department for Education (DfE) has launched a call for bids to its National Prospectus Grants Programme 2015-16. The aim is to help improve outcomes for children and young people (particularly those who are disadvantaged) and support for their families.The DfE has identified seven policy themes it wishes to fund through this National Prospectus. Bids must be made specifically in support of one, or more, of these themes

The programme will provide up to £25 million in grant funding for 2015-16. There is no specific minimum or maximum amount of grant award, but as an indicative guide for bidders, and reflecting the national focus of this grant programme, grant awards are expected to be in the region of £100,000 – £750,000. The estimated length of contract is 12 months. The closing date for applications is 21st November 2014.For further information on the DfE programme click here.

□ Proposals that relate to an area in Greater Manchester, are directed to Pat McKelvey, the Early Years Theme Lead in GM’s Public Service Reform Team. Pat is happy to direct you to the appropriate (geography or specialist) lead officer and help you to think about how your proposal might link into appropriate evidence of need, or fill gaps in developing delivery models, or how through the Early Years New Delivery Model being developed in Greater Manchester, your work might be scaled up.E-mail Pat in the first instance: p.mckelvey@manchester.gov.uk.